Unemployment continues to be one of the most significant economic challenges across the globe. While many countries are working to create jobs and strengthen their labour markets, others continue to struggle with persistently high levels of joblessness. According to recent global labour market data, countries such as Eswatini and South Africa rank among those with the highest unemployment rates in the world.
Data from international labour organisations and labour market studies indicate that Eswatini currently records one of the highest unemployment rates globally, with an estimated rate of around 34.2%. South Africa follows closely, where unemployment remains above 32%.
Another country facing significant employment challenges is Djibouti. A substantial share of its workforce continues to struggle to find stable jobs, reflecting deeper structural economic issues that limit employment opportunities and long-term growth. Experts note that persistent economic constraints, limited industrial diversification, and slow job creation have contributed to high unemployment levels in these nations.
India’s overall unemployment rate remains lower than that of several countries facing severe labour market crises. With one of the world’s largest young populations, India enjoys a demographic advantage that could drive economic growth for decades. At the same time, this presents a challenge: millions of young people enter the labour force every year, increasing the need for quality employment opportunities across sectors.
According to findings highlighted in the India Employment Report, young people account for a disproportionately large share of the country’s unemployed population. Individuals between the ages of 15 and 29 constitute roughly 83% of all unemployed people in India.
In practical terms, this means that out of every 100 unemployed individuals in the country, approximately 83 are young people. The figures underscore the importance of creating employment opportunities that can absorb the growing number of job seekers entering the workforce annually.
One of the most concerning trends is the increasing share of educated young people among the unemployed. Reports suggest that the proportion of educated unemployed youth has risen significantly over the past two decades. The share of unemployed youth with at least a secondary-level education reportedly increased from 35.2% in 2000 to nearly 65.7% in recent years. This indicates that educational attainment alone is no longer a guarantee of employment.
